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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 25, 12:22pm
Post #1 of 28
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TIME - March 25
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Today in Middle-earth
Map of the Battle of the Black Gates from Journeys of Frodo: An Atlas of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings by Barbara Strachey.
March 25, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Captains of the West come to the Black Gate.
(not from the appendices)
..."No choice was left them but to play their part to its end. Therefore Aragorn now set the host in such array as could best be contrived; and they were drawn up on two great hills of blasted stone and earth that orcs had piled in years of labour... ....When all was ordered, the Captains rode forth towards the Black Gate... ...Gandalf as chief herald, and Aragorn with the sons of Elrond, and Éomer of Rohan, and Imrahil; and Legolas and Gimli and Peregrin were bidden to go also. So that all the enemies of Mordor should have a witness...
...'...Come forth! they cried. 'Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth...'
...…There came a long rolling of great drums like thunder in the mountains, and then a braying of horns that shook the very stones and stunned men's ears. And thereupon the middle door of the Black Gate was thrown open with a great clang, and out of it there came an embassy from the Dark Tower... ...The Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr he was, and his name is remembered in no tale; for he himself had forgotten it, and he said; 'I am the Mouth of Sauron... ...Is there any one in this rout with authority to treat with me?' he asked. 'Or indeed with wit to understand me? Not thou at least!' he mocked, turning to Aragorn with scorn. 'It needs more to make a king than a piece of elvish glass, or a rabble such as this....'
......Aragorn said naught in answer, but he took the other's eye and held it, and for a moment they strove thus; but soon, though Aragorn did not stir nor move hand to weapon, the other quailed and gave back as if menaced with a blow...
...'...You have naught to fear from us, until your errand is done. But unless your master has come to new wisdom, then with all his servants you will be in great peril,' said Gandalf.
...'So!' said the Messenger. 'Then thou art the spokesman, old greybeard... ...I have tokens that I was bidden to show to thee—to thee in especial, if thou shouldst dare to come.' He signed to one of his guards, and he came forward bearing a bundle swathed in black cloths.
...The Messenger put these aside, and there to the wonder and dismay of all the Captains he held up first a short sword such as Sam had carried, and next a grey cloak with an elven-brooch, and last the coat of mithril-mail that Frodo had worn wrapped in his tattered garments. A blackness came before their eyes... ...their hearts were dead and their last hope gone. Pippin who stood behind Prince Imrahil sprang forward with a cry of grief.
...'Silence!' said Gandalf sternly, thrusting him back; but the Messenger laughed aloud.
...'So you have yet another of these imps with you!' he cried. 'What use you find in them I cannot guess... ...it is plain that this brat at least has seen these tokens before, and it would be vain for you to deny them now.'
...'I do not wish to deny them... ...But why do you bring them here?'
...'Dwarf-coat, elf-cloak, blade of the downfallen West, and spy from the little rat-land of the Shire... ...here are the marks of a conspiracy. Now, maybe he that bore these things was a creature that you would not grieve to lose, and maybe otherwise; one dear to you, perhaps? If so, take swift counsel... ...what his fate shall be depends now on your choice.'
...No one answered him; but he saw their faces grey with fear and the horror in their eyes, and he laughed again, for it seemed to him that his sport went well. 'Good, good... ...He was dear to you, I see. Or else his errand was one that you did not wish to fail? It has. And now he shall endure the slow torment of years... ...This shall surely be--unless you accept my Lord's terms...'
......Gandalf said, 'This is much to demand for the delivery of one servant... ...what surety have we that Sauron the Base Master of Treachery will keep his part...'
...'...Surety you crave! Sauron gives none... ...These are his terms. Take them or leave them!'
...'These we will take!' said Gandalf suddenly. He cast aside his cloak and a white light shone forth like a sword in that black place... ...Gandalf coming seized and took from him the tokens: coat, cloak, and sword. 'These we will take in memory of our friend,' he cried. 'But as for your terms, we reject them utterly. Get you gone, for your embassy is over and death is near to you. We did not come here to waste words in treating with Sauron, faithless and accursed; still less with one of his slaves. Begone...!'
2. The Host is surrounded on the Slag Hills.
(from the appendices)
..."...Down from the hills on either side of the Morannon poured Orcs innumerable. The men of the West were trapped, and soon, all about the grey mounds where they stood, forces ten times and more than ten times their match would ring them in a sea of enemies... ...Upon the one hill Aragorn stood with Gandalf, and there fair and desperate was raised the banner of the Tree and Stars. Upon the other hill hard by stood the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth, White Horse and Silver Swan... ...But in the front towards Mordor where the first bitter assault would come there stood the sons of Elrond on the left with Dúnedain about them, and on the right the Prince Imrahil with the men of Dol Amroth tall and fair, and picked men of the Tower...
......Pippin had bowed crushed with horror when he heard Gandalf reject the terms and doom Frodo to the torment of the Tower; but he had mastered himself, and now he stood beside Beregond in the front rank of Gondor with Imrahil's men... '...I wish Merry was here...'
......the first assault crashed into them... ...a great company of hill-trolls... ...Like a storm they broke upon the line of the men of Gondor... ...At Pippin's side Beregond was stunned and overborne, and he fell: and the great troll-chief that smote him down bent over him, reaching out a clutching claw; for these fell creatures would bite the throats of those that they threw down.
...Then Pippin stabbed upwards, and the written blade of Westernesse pierce through the hide and went deep into the vitals of the troll, and his black blood came gushing out. He toppled forward and came crashing down... ...burying those beneath him. Blackness and stench and crushing pain came upon Pippin, and his mind fell away into a great darkness....'"
3. Downfall of Barad-dûr and the passing of Sauron.
(from the appendices)
..."...under the wings of the Nazgûl the shadows of death fell dark upon the earth. Aragorn stood beneath his banner, silent and stern... ...Upon the hill-top stood Gandalf, and he was white and cold and no shadow fell upon him....
......As if to his eyes some sudden vision had been given, Gandalf stirred; and he turned, looking back north where the skies were pale and clear. Then he lifted up his hands and cried in a loud voice ringing above the din: 'The Eagles are coming!'
...There came Gwaihir the Windlord, and Landroval his brother, greatest of all the Eagles of the North... ...behind them in long swift lines came all their vassals from the northern mountains, speeding on a gathering wind. Straight down upon the Nazgûl they bore, stooping suddenly out of the high airs, and the rush of their wide wings as they passed over was like a gale.
...But the Nazgûl turned and fled, and vanished into Mordor's shadows, hearing a sudden terrible call out of the Dark Tower; and even at that moment all the hosts of Mordor trembled... ...The Power that drove them on and filled them with hate and fury was wavering, its will was removed from them; and now looking in the eyes of their enemies they saw a deadly light and were afraid....
......Gandalf lifted up his arms and called once more in a clear voice. 'Stand, Men of the West! Stand and wait! This is the hour of doom.'
...And even as he spoke the earth rocked beneath their feet. Then rising swiftly up, far above the Towers of the Black Gate, high above the mountains, a vast soaring darkness sprang into the sky, flickering with fire. The earth groaned and quaked. The Towers of the Teeth swayed... ...the Black Gate was hurled in ruin...
...'...The realm of Sauron is ended!' said Gandalf. 'The Ring-bearer has fulfilled his Quest.' And as the Captains gazed south to the Land of Mordor, it seemed to them... ...there rose a huge shape of shadow, impenetrable, lightning-crowned, filling all the sky. Enormous it reared above the world, and stretched out towards them a vast threatening hand, terrible but impotent: for even as it leaned over them, a great wind took it, and it was all blown away, and passed; and then a hush fell....
......Then Gandalf, leaving all such matters of battle and command to Aragorn and the other lords, stood upon the hill-top and called; and down to him came the great eagle, Gwaihir the Windlord, and stood before him.
...'Twice you have borne me, Gwaihir my friend... ...Thrice shall pay for all, if you are willing. You will not find me a burden much greater than when you bore me from Zirak-zigil, where my old life burned away.'
...'I would bear you,' answered Gwaihir, 'whither you will, even were you made of stone.'
...'Then come, and let your brother go with us, and some other of your folk who is most swift! For we have need of speed greater than any wind, outmatching the wings of the Nazgûl.'
...'The North Wind blows, but we shall outfly it,' said Gwaihir. And he lifted up Gandalf and sped away south and with him went Landroval, and Meneldor... ...And they passed over Udûn and Gorgoroth and saw all the land in ruin and tumult beneath them, and before them Mount Doom blazing, pouring out its fire."
4. Frodo and Samwise reach the Sammath Naur.
(from the appendices)
..."The path climbed on... ...and came to the dark door in the Mountain's side, the door of the Sammath Naur... ...all Mordor lay about the Mountain like a dead land, silent, shadow-folded, waiting for some dreadful stroke.
...Sam came to the gaping mouth and peered in. It was dark and hot, and a deep rumbling shook the air. 'Frodo! Master!' he called. There was no answer. For a moment he stood, his heart beating with wild fears, and then he plunged in. A shadow followed him.
...At first he could see nothing. In his great need he drew out once more the phial of Galadriel, but it was pale and cold in his trembling hand and threw no light into that stifling dark. He was come to the heart of the realm of Sauron and the forges of his ancient might, greatest in Middle-earth; all other powers were here subdued... ...all at once there came a flash of red that leaped upward, and smote the high black roof. Then Sam saw that he was in a long cave or tunnel that bored into the Mountain's smoking cone....
......The light sprang up again, and there on the brink of the chasm, at the very Crack of Doom, stood Frodo, black against the glare, tense, erect, but still as if he had been turned to stone.
...'Master!' cried Sam.
...Then Frodo stirred and spoke with a clear voice... ...clearer and more powerful than Sam had ever heard him use, and it rose above the throb and turmoil of Mount Doom, ringing in the roof and walls.
...'I have come... ...But I do not choose now to do what I came to do. I will not do this deed. The Ring is mine!' And suddenly, as he set it on his finger, he vanished from Sam's sight. Sam gasped, but he had no chance to cry out... ...Something struck Sam violently in the back, his legs were knocked from under him and he was flung aside, striking his head against the stony floor, as a dark shape sprang over him. He lay still and for a moment all went black."
5. Gollum seizes the Ring and falls into the Cracks of Doom.
(from the appendices)
..."Sam got up... ...dazed, and blood from his head dripped in his eyes. He groped forward, and then he saw a strange and terrible thing. Gollum on the edge of the abyss was fighting like a mad thing with an unseen foe...
......The fires below awoke in anger, the red light blazed... ...Suddenly Sam saw Gollum's long hands draw upwards to his mouth; his white fangs gleamed, and then snapped as they bit. Frodo gave a cry, and there he was, fallen upon his knees at the chasm's edge. But Gollum, dancing like a mad thing, held aloft the ring with Frodo's finger still thrust within its circle. It shone now as if verily it was wrought of living fire.
...'Precious, precious, precious!' Gollum cried... ...he stepped too far, toppled, wavered for a moment on the brink, and then with a shriek he fell. Out of the depths came his last wail PRECIOUS, and he was gone….
......Sam ran to Frodo and picked him up and carried him out to the door. And there above the plains of Mordor, such wonder and terror came on him that he stood still forgetting all else, and gazed as one turned to stone... ...there came a rumble, rising to a deafening crash and roar; and the earth shook, the plain heaved and cracked, and Orodruin reeled. Fire belched from its riven summit. The skies burst into thunder seared with lightening. Down like lashing whips fell a torrent of black rain. And into the heart of the storm, with a cry that pierced all other sounds... ...the Nazgûl came, shooting like flaming bolts, as caught in the fiery ruin of hill and sky they crackled, withered, and went out.
...'Well, this is the end, Sam Gamgee,' said a voice by his side. And there was Frodo, pale and worn, and yet himself again; and in his eyes there was peace now, neither strain of will, nor madness, nor any fear. His burden was taken away. There was the dear master of the sweet days in the Shire.
...'Master!' cried Sam, and fell upon his knees. In all that ruin of the world for the moment he felt only joy... ...The burden was gone. His master had been saved; he was himself again, he was free. And then he caught sight of the maimed and bleeding hand.
...'Your poor hand!' he said. 'And I have nothing to bind it with, or comfort it. I would have spared him a whole hand of mine rather. But he's gone now beyond recall, gone forever.'
...'Yes... ...But do you remember Gandalf's words: "Even Gollum may have something yet to do?" But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam....'
...'...Yes, I am with you, Master,' said Sam, laying Frodo's wounded hand gently to his breast. 'And you're with me. And the journey's finished. But after coming all that way I don't want to give up yet. It's not like me, somehow, if you understand.'
...'Maybe not, Sam... ...but it's like things are in the world. Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall, and there is no escape.'
...'Well, Master, we could at least go further from this dangerous place here, from this Crack of Doom, if that's its name...'
...'...Very well, Sam. If you wish to go, I'll come,' said Frodo; and they rose and went slowly down... ...towards the Mountain's quaking feet, a great smoke and steam belched from the Sammath Naur, and the side of the cone was riven open, and a huge fiery vomit rolled in slow thunderous cascade down the eastern mountain-side.
...Frodo and Sam could go no further. Their last strength of mind and body was swiftly ebbing. They had reached a low ashen hill piled at the Mountain's foot; but from it there was no more escape....
......And so it was that Gwaihir saw them with his keen far-seeing eyes, as down the wild wind he came... ...two small dark figures, forlorn, hand in hand upon a little hill, while the world shook under them... ...And even as he espied them and came swooping down, he saw them fall, worn out, or choked with fumes and heat, or stricken down by despair at last, hiding their eyes from death.
...Side by side they lay; and down swept Gwaihir, and down came Landroval and Meneldor the swift; and in a dream, not knowing what fate had befallen them, the wanderers were lifted up and borne far away..."
6. Minas Tirith
(from the appendices)
..."And so the fifth day came since the Lady Éowyn went first to Faramir; and they stood now together once more upon the wall of the City and looked out. No tidings had yet come, and all hearts were darkened...
...'...What do you look for, Éowyn?' said Faramir.
...'Does not the Black Gate lie yonder?' said she. 'And must he not now be come thither? It is seven days since he rode away.'
...'Seven day,' said Faramir. 'But think not ill of me, if I say to you: they have brought me both a joy and a pain that I never thought to know. Joy to see you; but pain, because now the fear and doubt of this evil time are grown dark indeed. Éowyn, I would not have this world end now, or lose so soon what I have found.'
...'Lose what you have found, lord?' she answered... '...I know not what in these days you have found that you could lose. But come, my friend, let us not speak of it! Let us not speak at all! I stand upon some dreadful brink, and it is utterly dark in the abyss before my feet... ...I wait for some stroke of doom.'
...'Yes, we wait for the stroke of doom,' said Faramir. And they said no more... ...And as they stood so, their hands met and clasped, though they did not know it. And still they waited for they knew not what. Then... ...above the ridges of the distant mountains another vast mountain of darkness rose, towering up like a wave that should engulf the world, and about it lightnings flickered; and then a tremor ran through the earth, and they felt the walls of the City quiver. A sound like a sigh went up from all the lands about them; and their hearts beat suddenly again.
...'It reminds me of Númenor,' said Faramir, and wondered to hear himself speak.
...'Of Númenor?'
...'Yes,' said Faramir, 'of the land of Westernesse that foundered, and of the great dark wave climbing over the green lands and above the hills, and coming on, darkness inescapable. I often dream of it.'
...'Then you think that the Darkness is coming... ...Darkness Unescapable?' And suddenly she drew close to him.
...'No,' said Faramir, looking into her face. 'It was but a picture in the mind. I do not know what is happening. The reason of my waking mind tells me that great evil has befallen and we stand at the end of days. But my heart says nay; and all my limbs are light, and a hope and joy are come to me that no reason can deny. Éowyn, Éowyn, White Lady of Rohan, in this hour I do not believe that any darkness will endure!' And he stooped and kissed her brow...
......And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying: 'Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor, for the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever, and the Dark Tower is thrown down.'"
7. Gondor proclaims their New Year on this date.
(not from the appendices)
[Gandalf speaking to Sam after he wakes in The Field of Cormallen]
..."'...in Gondor the New Year will always now begin upon the twenty-fifth of March when Sauron fell, and when you were brought out of the fire to the King.'"
March 25, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. Frodo comes home.
(not from the appendices)
..."Sam stayed… …with the Gaffer. In addition to all his other labours he was busy directing the cleaning up and restoring of Bag End; but he was often away in the Shire on his forestry work... ...meanwhile Bag End had been set in order and Merry and Pippin came over from Crickhollow bringing back all the old furniture and gear, so that the old hole soon looked very much as it always had done."
March 25, 3021 (S.R. 1421)
1. Birth of Elanor the Fair, daughter of Samwise.
(from the appendices)
..."Frodo was ill again in March, but with a great effort he concealed it... ...Sam had other things to think about. The first of Sam and Rosie's children was born on the twenty-fifth of March, a date that Sam noted.
...'Well, Mr. Frodo,' he said. 'I'm in a bit of a fix. Rose and me had settled to call him Frodo... ...but it's not him, it's her. Though as pretty a maidchild as any one could hope for... ...So we don't know what to do.'
...'Well, Sam,' said Frodo, 'what's wrong with the old customs? Choose a flower name like Rose. Half the maidchildren in the Shire are called by such names, and what could be better?'
...'I suppose you're right, Mr. Frodo... ...I've heard some beautiful names on my travels, but I suppose they're a bit too grand for daily wear and tear... ...The Gaffer, he says: "Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it." But if it's to be a flower-name, then I don't trouble about the length: it must be a beautiful flower, because, you see, I think she is very beautiful, and is going to be beautifuller still.'
...Frodo thought for a moment. 'Well, Sam, what about elanor, the sun-star, you remember the little golden flower in the grass of Lothlórien?'
...'You're right again, Mr. Frodo!' said Sam delighted. 'That's what I wanted.'"
March 25, 2003
Tolkien Reading Day
...Launched in 2003 by the Tolkien Society, this annual event is a celebration of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It encourages individuals, library groups, and education to engage in the study, discussion, and just plain enjoyment of life in Middle-earth... and beyond. The date of March 25 was chosen in honour of the fall of Sauron and the destruction of the One Ring.
 
We have been there and back again.
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
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Mar 25, 1:54pm
Post #2 of 28
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A great day in Middle-earth - and Tolkien Reading Day!
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So what are you all reading today, in honor of this magnificent event?
I'm re-reading "The Ring of Words: Tolkien and the Oxford English Dictionary". The way Tolkien "found" words and used them never fails to make me smile! 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 26, 1:37am
Post #3 of 28
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I get so caught up on what's going on in Middle-earth today (3/25) that I've started from the chapter's start :D
We have been there and back again.
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elentari3018
Nargothrond
Mar 26, 1:46am
Post #4 of 28
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Today is such a great day- memorable for me for i've particpated in person in Tolkien Reading Days and rereading all that has happened on 3/25 is so great.
In Livejournal used to have Back To Middle-earth Month in March because SO MUCH happen in the climax of RotK which happens mostly in March.
Anyways, just wanted to point out how much i love this passage:
."Frodo was ill again in March, but with a great effort he concealed it... ...Sam had other things to think about. The first of Sam and Rosie's children was born on the twenty-fifth of March, a date that Sam noted.
...'Well, Mr. Frodo,' he said. 'I'm in a bit of a fix. Rose and me had settled to call him Frodo... ...but it's not him, it's her. Though as pretty a maidchild as any one could hope for... ...So we don't know what to do.'
...'Well, Sam,' said Frodo, 'what's wrong with the old customs? Choose a flower name like Rose. Half the maidchildren in the Shire are called by such names, and what could be better?'
...'I suppose you're right, Mr. Frodo... ...I've heard some beautiful names on my travels, but I suppose they're a bit too grand for daily wear and tear... ...The Gaffer, he says: "Make it short, and then you won't have to cut it short before you can use it." But if it's to be a flower-name, then I don't trouble about the length: it must be a beautiful flower, because, you see, I think she is very beautiful, and is going to be beautifuller still.'
...Frodo thought for a moment. 'Well, Sam, what about elanor, the sun-star, you remember the little golden flower in the grass of Lothlórien?'
...'You're right again, Mr. Frodo!' said Sam delighted. 'That's what I wanted.'" And of course everything that happens on 3/25. <3
"By Elbereth and Luthien the fair, you shall have neither the Ring nor me!" ~Frodo
"And then Gandalf arose and bid all men rise, and they rose, and he said: 'Here is a last hail ere the feast endeth. Last but not least. For I name now those who shall not be forgotten and without whose valour nought else that was done would have availed; and I name before you all Frodo of the Shire and Samwise his servant. And the bards and the minstrels should give them new names: Bronwe athan Harthad and Harthad Uluithiad , Endurance beyond Hope and Hope Unquenchable.." ~Gandalf, The End of the Third Age , from The History of Middle Earth series
"He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings."- Siege of Gondor, RotK
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 26, 1:36pm
Post #5 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
March 26, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. The Shadow is lifted.
(from Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."After the fall of the Dark Tower and the passing of Sauron the Shadow was lifted from the hearts of all who opposed him, but fear and despair fell upon his servants and allies."
2. Gimli finds Pippin fallen on the field.
(not from the appendices)
... "I shall never forget… …finding you on the hill of the last battle. But for Gimli the Dwarf you would have been lost then... ...I know now the look of a hobbit's foot, though it be all that can been seen under a heap of bodies.'"
3. In Minas Tirith
(not from the appendices)
..."The days that followed were golden, and Spring and Summer joined and made revel together in the fields of Gondor."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 26, 1:49pm
Post #6 of 28
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To be the one to actually read the March 25 events must have been surreal! I know my voice would probably start shaking while reading from emotion and excitement!
That exchange between Frodo and Sam is JUST SO THEM! And for Frodo to hold it together through that conversation without Sam (normally very in tune with Frodo) noticing he was sick must have been aided by his love of Sam and his excitement. And Sam was a bit distracted by his first sweet child... something he'd never thought he'd have when lost on the side of an erupting volcano!
[gramma fic - Sam to Frodo: "I am glad you are here with me. Here at the beginning of all things..."]
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Mar 26, 2:01pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 27, 1:28pm
Post #7 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
March 27, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Bard II and Thorin III Stonehelm drive the enemy from Dale.
(from the appendices - Appendix B: The Tale Of Years: The Third Age: The Great Years)
..."... a host of the allies of Sauron... ...crossed the River Carnen... ...to Dale. There... ...was a great battle at the Mountain's feet.... ...both King Brand and King Dáin Ironfoot were slain, and the Easterlings had the victory. But they could not take the Gate... ...Dwarves and Men, took refuge in Erebor, and there withstood a siege.
...When news came of the great victories in the South, then Sauron's northern army was filled with dismay; and the besieged came forth and routed them, and the remnant fled into the East and troubled Dale no more. Then Bard II, Brand's son, became King in Dale, and Thorin III Stonehelm, Dáin's son, became King under the Mountain...."
..."...Sauron might have done great evil in the North, if King Dáin and King Brand had not stood in his path. Even as Gandalf said afterwards to Frodo and Gimli, when they dwelt together for a time in Minas Tirith....
...'...I grieved at the fall of Thorin,' said Gandalf; 'and now we hear that Dáin has fallen, fighting in Dale again, even while we fought here...
...'...Yet things might have gone far otherwise and far worse. When you think of the great Battle of the Pelennor, do not forget the battles in Dale and the valour of Durin's Folk... ...of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador, night in Rivendell. There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now hope to return from the victory here only to ruin and ash. But... ...averted - because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring in Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth....'"
We have been there and back again.
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elentari3018
Nargothrond
Mar 28, 1:40am
Post #8 of 28
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makes me feel like writing fic
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to fill in how Frodo felt when Elanor was first born :) I often think of what happens when Sauron is defeated but the years after are also great places to find great stories that Tolkien may have hinted but not have written.
"By Elbereth and Luthien the fair, you shall have neither the Ring nor me!" ~Frodo
"And then Gandalf arose and bid all men rise, and they rose, and he said: 'Here is a last hail ere the feast endeth. Last but not least. For I name now those who shall not be forgotten and without whose valour nought else that was done would have availed; and I name before you all Frodo of the Shire and Samwise his servant. And the bards and the minstrels should give them new names: Bronwe athan Harthad and Harthad Uluithiad , Endurance beyond Hope and Hope Unquenchable.." ~Gandalf, The End of the Third Age , from The History of Middle Earth series
"He knew now why Beregond spoke his name with love. He was a captain that men would follow, that he would follow, even under the shadow of the black wings."- Siege of Gondor, RotK
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 28, 2:07pm
Post #9 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
March 28, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Celeborn crosses Anduin; destruction of Dol Guldur begun.
(from the appendices)
..."Though grievous harm was done to the fair woods on the borders, the assaults were driven back; and when the Shadow passed, Celeborn came forth and led the host of Lórien over Anduin in many boats. They took Dol Guldur, and Galadriel threw down its walls and laid bare its pits, and the forest was cleansed."
2. Free from the land of the Shadow.
(not from the appendices—no text)
...Under the care of the King's healing hand, Frodo and Samwise rest in fair Ithilien in a deep, merciful sleep while a cloaked, bent figure sits quietly by, smoking and watching.
March 28, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The Lady's gift and the Gardener's labours grace the Shire.
(not from the appendices)
..."Spring surpassed his wildest hopes. His trees began to sprout and grow, as if time was in a hurry and wished to make one year do for twenty."
2. Lobelia Sackville-Baggins passes in the Spring.
(not from the appendices)
[This first part isn't what happened today... it's just a buildup for Lobelia's post in the second part]
[November 4, 3019]
..."...she looked very old and thin when they rescued her from a dark and narrow cell. She insisted on hobbling out on her own feet; and she had... ...such clapping and cheering when she appeared, leaning on Frodo's arm but still clutching her umbrella, that she was quite touched and drove away in tears. She had never in her life been popular before. But she was crushed by the news of Lotho's murder, and she would not return to Bag End. She gave it back to Frodo, and went to her own people, the Bracegirdles of Hardbottle..."
[March 28, 3020]
..."When the poor creature died next Spring—she was after all more than a hundred years old—Frodo was surprised and much moved: she had left all that remained of her money and of Lotho's for him to use in helping hobbits made homeless by the troubles. So that feud was ended."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 29, 1:20pm
Post #10 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
March 29, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Minas Tirith prepares.
(not from the appendices)
..."...tidings now came by swift riders from Cair Andros of all that was done, and the City made ready for the coming of the King. Merry was summoned and rode away with the wains that took store of goods to Osgiliath... ...by ship to Cair Andros; but Faramir did not go, for now being healed he took upon him his authority and the stewardship, although it was only for a little while, and his duty was to prepare for one who should replace him.
...And Éowyn did not go, though her brother sent word begging her to come to the field of Cormallen. And Faramir wondered at this, but he saw her seldom... ...and she dwelt still in the Houses of Healing and walked alone in the garden, and her face grew pale again and it seemed that in all the City she only was ailing and sorrowful."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 29, 3:14pm
Post #11 of 28
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March 29, 2018
Happy Birthday to the lovely Flower Lady of Backbencher Pub.
On my March 2010 trip to Wellington, NZ, one of my must-do stops was The Backbencher Gastropub across the street from The Behive Parliament Building in Wellington where I was going to meet friends later in the day. It's a wonderful old pub with flower boxes in each window. I snapped a picture of an elderly lady reaching up to tend to one of the many colourful window flower boxes along the pub's walls. I was enchanted by her diligent care that was obviously an effort and a passion. When I returned to Wellington in March 2018, one of the first places I made for was The Backbencher to see if the flower boxes were still there. The Pub had suffered a devastating fire in 2012.
Down the street as I approached the Pub, not only could I see it had been restored… but there was a familiar person still diligently working on the many flower boxes. Elated… I rushed to see her closer and get another picture of her at work just pausing as I passed. She spotted me and became uncomfortable… hiding her face behind her upraised arm. As I continued to walk away, I knew I needed to approach her and reassure her I was no threat. She was nervous and shy, but graciously stopped to listen to my apology and story. As we talked, I told her that I'd seen her 8 years earlier and was so moved to see her and her lovely flower boxes again. We struck up a long, friendly conversation that I still cherish to this day. We discovered our birthdays are very close together! I've sent her a birthday card each year ever since, and she writes back to me of how her flowers and she are doing. She is one of my most cherished experiences while in NZ.
We have been there and back again.
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Mar 29, 8:19pm
Post #12 of 28
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To think that she was There when you went There...and still There when you went Back Again! 
That lunchtime meet-up was already extra special  , this just makes it extra extra special!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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dernwyn
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Mar 29, 8:22pm
Post #13 of 28
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An "oldlie" of mine:
Merry’s excitement could hardly be contained - but it did not hinder his appetite.
Faramir, seated across the table from him, laughed. “The Shire-folk are certainly hearty eaters!”
“But the journey’s long, and we leave shortly. How splendid, I can’t wait to see them all again!” He paused. “I wish Éowyn were going with us. Is she still not healed, Faramir?”
Faramir sighed. “She is still in the care of the Warden.” But he thought: Amidst all this joy, she sorrows! Does she not know her own heart? Would it harm or heal, were I to speak my heart to her?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I desired dragons with a profound desire"
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 30, 1:42pm
Post #14 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
March 30, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. Bilbo and Gandalf rest at Beorn's home.
(determined from text - no text - a drabble)
... Gandalf and Bilbo recover from their adventures in the safety of Beorn's home. There was no shortage of wonderful food, warm evenings before the huge fire in the great hall, and a chance for three great story-tellers to share their tales. But Bilbo's longing for his own chair and fire at Bag End grew. He would spend long hours in the quiet room given to him by Beorn. This is where he began his first journal and he would write page upon page of his adventures since he left the Lonely Mountain, and many reflective moments of his beloved Shire.
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Mar 31, 2:10pm
Post #17 of 28
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Now that we have a short respite from many incredible events, let's have a 4-part visit of Gandalf and where it all began. Here's part 1 of 4 scattered through the week... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ..."...the Shadow of Sauron and the sign of his return... ...coming out of the wastes of the East he took up his abode in the south of [Mirkwood] forest, and slowly he grew and took shape there again; in a dark hill he made his dwelling and wrought there his sorcery, and all folk feared the Sorcerer of Dol Guldur, and yet they knew not at first how great was their peril.
...Even as the first shadows were felt in Mirkwood there appeared in the west of Middle-earth the Istari, whom Men called the Wizards. None knew at that time whence they were, save Círdan of the Havens, and only to Elrond and to Galadriel did he reveal that they came over the Sea... ...it was said among the Elves that they were messengers sent by the Lords of the West to contest the power of Sauron, if he should arise again, and to move Elves and Men and all living things of good will to valiant deeds. In the likeness of Men they appeared, old but vigorous, and they changed little with the years, and aged but slowly, though great cares lay on them; great wisdom they had, and many powers of mind and hand. Long they journeyed far and wide among Elves and Men, and held converse also with beasts and with birds; and the peoples of Middle-earth gave to them many names, for their true names they did not reveal. Chief among them... ...the Elves called Mithrandir and Curunír, but Men in the North named Gandalf and Saruman. Of these Curunír was the eldest and came first, and after him came Mithrandir and Radagast, and others of the Istari who went into the east of Middle-earth, and do not come into these tales. Radagast was the friend of all beasts and birds; but Curunír went most among Men, and he was subtle in speech and skilled in all the devices of smith-craft. Mithrandir was closest in counsel with Elrond and the Elves. He wandered far in the North and West and made never in any land any lasting abode; but Curunír journeyed into the East, and when he returned he dwelt at Orthanc in the Ring of Isengard, which the Númenóreans made in the days of their power."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 1, 1:46pm
Post #18 of 28
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It's time for some more BS! The last one...
[In reply to]
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  APRIL FOOLS! :D I'm afraid you're stuck with tons more BS & TIME ;)
It's April Fool's Day! Let's take a look at the Book Spoilers of poor Peregrin Took's challenges in the Mines of Moria… for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From A Journey in the Dark: The Fellowship of the Ring [As they stood before the closed doors of Moria, Gandalf struggled on their opening… then the journey once they got in!]
… "'What does it mean by speak, friend, and enter?' asked Merry.
… 'That is plain enough,' said Gimli. 'If you are a friend, speak the password, and the doors will open, and you can enter.'
… 'Yes,' said Gandalf, 'these doors are probably governed by words… …These doors have no key. In the days of Durin they were not secret… …if they were shut, any who knew the opening word could speak it and pass in….'
… '…But do not you know the word, Gandalf?' asked Boromir in surprise.
… 'No!' said the wizard….
… '…Then what was the use of bringing us to this accursed spot?' cried Boromir…
… 'The answer… …Boromir,' said the wizard, 'is that I do not know the word—yet. But we shall soon see…'
… '…What are you going to do then?' asked Pippin…
… '…Knock on the doors with your head, Peregrine Took,' said Gandalf. 'But if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will seek for the opening words.'"
[Pippin gets restless… which leads to trouble]
…"'This seems to have been a guardroom..,' said Gimli. 'That hole was plainly a well for the guards' use… …we must all take care in the dark.'
… Pippin felt curiously attracted by the well. While the others were unrolling blankets and making beds… …he crept to the edge and peered over… …Moved by a sudden impulse he groped for a loose stone, and let it drop… …Then far below, as if the stone had fallen into deep water in some cavernous place, there came a "plunk," very distant, but magnified and repeated in the hollow shaft.
… 'What's that!' cried Gandalf. He was relieved when Pippin confessed what he had done; but he was angry, and Pippin could see his eye glinting. 'Fool of a Took!' he growled. 'This is a serious journey, not a hobbit walking party. Throw yourself in next time, and then you will be no further nuisance. Now be quiet!'
… Nothing more was heard for several minutes; but then there came out of the depths faint knocks: tom-tap, tap-tom…
… '…That was the sound of a hammer, or I have never heard one,' said Gimli.
… 'Yes,' said Gandalf, 'and I do not like it. It may have nothing to do with Peregrin's foolish stone; but probably something has been disturbed that would have been better left quiet. Pray, do nothing of the kind again..! …You, Pippin, can go on the first watch, as a reward,' he growled, as he rolled himself in a blanket."
From The Bridge of Khazad-dûm: The Fellowship of the Ring [The Fellowship reaches the Chamber of Mazarbul and reads from a book found there]
… "'It is grim reading,' Gandalf said. 'I fear their end was cruel… …The last thing written is in a trailing scrawl of elf-letters: they are coming. There is nothing more….'
… …Gandalf raised his head and looked round. 'They seem to have made a last stand by both doors,' he said; 'but there were not many left by that time. So ended the attempt to retake Moria! It was valiant but foolish. The time is not come yet. Now, I fear, we must say farewell to Balin son of Fundin.'"
[And at the Bridge]
…"The Balrog reached the bridge. Gandalf stood in the middle of the span, leaning on the staff in his left hand, but in his other hand Glamdring gleamed, cold and white. His enemy halted again, facing him… …It raised the whip, and the thongs whined and cracked. Fire came from its nostrils. But Gandalf stood firm.
… 'You cannot pass,' he said… '…I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass….'
… …With a bound the Balrog leaped full upon the bridge. Its whip whirled and hissed….
… …At that moment Gandalf lifted his staff, and crying aloud he smote the bridge before him. The staff broke asunder and fell from his hand. A blinding sheet of white flame sprang up. The bridge cracked. Right at the Balrog's feet it broke, and the stone… …crashed into the gulf, while the rest remained, poised, quivering like a tongue of rock thrust out into emptiness.
… With a terrible cry the Balrog fell forward, and its shadow plunged down and vanished. But even as it fell it swung its whip, and the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink. He staggered, and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss. 'Fly, you fools!' he cried, and was gone."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 2, 1:38pm
Post #19 of 28
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Here's part 2 of a 4-part visit of Gandalf and where it all began... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "Ever most vigilant was Mithrandir, and he it was that most doubted the darkness in Mirkwood, for though many deemed that it was wrought by the Ringwraiths, he feared that it was indeed the first shadow of Sauron returning; and he went to Dol Guldur, and the Sorcerer fled from him, and there was a watchful peace for a long while. But... ...the Shadow returned and its power increased; and in that time was first made the Council of the Wise that is called the White Council, and therein were Elrond and Galadriel and Círdan, and other lords of the Eldar, and with them were Mithrandir and Curunír... ...(that was Saruman the White) was chosen to be their chief, for he had most studied the devices of Sauron of old. Galadriel indeed had wished that Mithrandir should be the Lead of the Council, and Saruman begrudged them that, for his pride and desire of mastery was grown great; but Mithrandir refused the office, since he would have no ties and no allegiance, save to those who sent him, and he would abide in no place nor be subject to any summons. But Saruman now began to study the lore of the Rings of Power, their making and their history."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 3, 1:28pm
Post #20 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
April 3, 3005 (S.R. 1405), 3018 (S.R. 1418)
1. Gandalf visits in the Spring.
(not from the appendices)
..."It was early April and the sky was now clearing after heavy rain. The sun was down, and a cool pale evening was quietly fading into night...
......It was just at this time that Gandalf reappeared after his long absence. For three years after the Party he had been away. Then he paid Frodo a brief visit, and after taking a good look at him he went off again. During the next year or two he had turned up fairly often, coming unexpectedly after dusk, and going off without warning before sunrise... ...and seemed chiefly interested in small news about Frodo's health and doings.
...Then suddenly his visits had ceased. It was over nine years since Frodo had seen or heard of him, and he had begun to think that the wizard would never return and had given up all interest in hobbits."
We have been there and back again.
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 4, 12:30pm
Post #21 of 28
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Here's pt 3 of a 4 pt Book Spoiler where we see how Gandalf followed his instincts about Sauron... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "Now the Shadow grew ever greater, and the hearts of Elrond and Mithrandir darkened. Therefore on a time Mithrandir at great peril went again to Dol Guldur and the pits of the Sorcerer, and he discovered the truth of his fears, and escaped. And returning to Elrond he said:
... 'True, alas, is our guess. This is not one of the Úlairi, as many have long supposed. It is Sauron himself who has taken shape again and now grows apace; and he is gathering again all the Rings to his hand; and he seeks ever for news of the One, and of the Heirs of Isildur, if they live still on earth....'
... ...Elrond answered: 'In the hour that Isildur took the Ring and would not surrender it, this doom was wrought, that Sauron should return.'
... 'Yet the One was lost,' said Mithrandir, 'and while it still lies hid, we can master the Enemy, if we gather our strength and tarry not too long.'
... Then the White Council was summoned; and Mithrandir urged them to swift deeds, but Curunír spoke against him, and counselled them to wait yet and to watch.
... 'For I believe not... ...that the One will ever be found again in Middle-earth. Into Anduin it fell, and long ago, I deem, it was rolled to the Sea...
... ...Therefore naught was done at that time, though Elrond's heart misgave him, and he said to Mithrandir:
... 'Nonetheless I forbode that the One will yet be found, and then war will arise again, and in that war this Age will be ended. Indeed in a second darkness it will end, unless some strange chance deliver us that my eyes cannot see.'
... 'Many are the strange chances of the world,' said Mithrandir, 'and help oft shall come from the hands of the weak when the Wise falter.'
... Thus the Wise were troubled, but none as yet perceived that Curunír had turned to dark thoughts and was already a traitor in heart: for he desired that he and no other should find the Great Ring, so that he might wield it himself and order all the world to his will...
... ...ever the shadow in Mirkwood grew deeper, and to Dol Guldur evil things repaired out of all the dark places of the world; and they were united again under one will, and their malice was directed against the Elves and the survivors of Númenor. Therefore at last the Council was again summoned and the lore of the Rings was much debated; but Mithrandir spoke to the Council, saying:
... 'It is not needed that the Ring should be found, for while it abides on earth and is not unmade, still the power that it holds will live, and Sauron will grow and have hope. The might of the Elves and the Elf-friends is less now than of old. Soon he will be too strong for you, even without the Great Ring; for he rules the Nine, and of the Seven he has recovered three. We must strike.'
... To this Curunír now assented, desiring that Sauron should be thrust from Dol Guldur, which was nigh to the River, and… …have leisure to search there no longer. Therefore, for the last time, he aided the Council, and they put forth their strength; and they assailed Dol Guldur, and drove Sauron from his hold, and Mirkwood for a brief while was made wholesome again.
... But their stroke was too late. For the Dark Lord had foreseen it, and… …long prepared all his movements; and the Úlairi, his Nine Servants, had gone before him to make ready for his coming. Therefore his flight was but a feint, and he soon returned, and ere the Wise could prevent him he re-entered his kingdom in Mordor and reared once again the dark towers of Barad-dûr. And in that year the White Council met for the last time, and Curunír withdrew to Isengard, and took counsel with none save himself."
April 4, 2004
We signed a petition to Let the Hobbit Happen. There were over over 63,000 signatures collected and taken. My Signature Confirmation for The Hobbit Petition was #2433.
The Hobbit
• Author: n/a
• Send To: New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. and United Artists
• Sponsored By:
• More Info at:
Are you the Author?
We, the undersigned, wish to make clear our strong desire to see a quality film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Having spent the last three years in Middle-earth, under the spell of magician Peter Jackson and the wizards of Weta Workshop, we find ourselves only wanting more. The Tale of the Ring is incomplete without the story of Its finding by Bilbo, and the other aspects of his adventure make for a captivating cinematic journey as well.
Fans know that the film rights reside with New Line, while distribution is the legal domain of MGM/United Artists. It would be heartbreaking for the fans to be denied this film, simply because of this rift in rights. Surely an agreement can be reached that will prove mutually advantageous to the studios. The phenomenal success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy clearly demonstrates that there is a huge fan base worldwide, ready to support The Hobbit in like manner - particularly if it is made by Mr. Jackson and Weta, who have proven themselves so gifted in the visual creation of a world which until now only existed on the printed page, in the art of great talents like Alan Lee and John Howe, and in the imaginations of Tolkien readers.
Please work together to eliminate this barrier to the films making and distribution. We, the fans, will make it worth your while. We are not ready to leave Middle-earth!
In addition to showing support for this project by signing this petition, fans can make their wishes known by writing a tactful, concise letter to the following persons at these addresses:
Robert K. Shaye
New Line Cinema Corporation
888 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10106
Alex Yemenidjian
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
10250 Constellation Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Danny Rosett, EVP Marketing and Distribution
United Artists Corporation
10250 Constellation Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
[[PS: It Worked!]]
http://www.petitiononline.com/hobfilm/
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Apr 4, 12:31pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 5, 12:45pm
Post #22 of 28
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Here's part 4 and the last of a series of Book Spoilers that looks at Gandalf's achievements and a wonderful tale of the Ring's journey and how Cirdan changed everything... for a moment of Tolkien-zen.
From Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age: The Silmarillion ... "Orcs were mustering, and far to the east and the south the wild peoples were arming. Then in the midst of gathering fear and the rumour of war the foreboding of Elrond was proved true, and the One Ring was indeed found again, by a chance more strange than even Mithrandir had foreseen; and it was hidden from Curunír and from Sauron. For it had been taken from Anduin long ere they sought for it… …found by one of the small fisher-folk that dwelt by the River, ere the Kings failed in Gondor; and by its finder it was brought beyond search into dark hiding under the roots of the mountains. There it dwelt, until even in the year of the assault upon Dol Guldur it was found again, by a wayfarer, fleeing into the depths of the earth from the pursuit of the Orcs, and passed into a far distant country, even to the land of the Periannath, the Little People, the Halflings, who dwelt in the west of Eriador... ...and neither Sauron nor any of the Wise save Mithrandir had in all their counsels given thought to them.
... Now by fortune and his vigilance Mithrandir first learned of the Ring, ere Sauron had news of it; yet he was dismayed and in doubt. For too great was the evil power of this thing for any of the Wise to wield, unless like Curunír he wished himself to become a tyrant and a dark lord in his turn; but neither could it be concealed from Sauron for ever, nor could it be unmade by the craft of the Elves. Therefore with the help of the Dúnedain of the North Mithrandir set a watch upon the land of the Periannath and bided his time. But Sauron had many ears, and soon he heard rumour of the One Ring… …and he sent forth the Nazgûl to take it. Then war was kindled, and in battle with Sauron the Third Age ended even as it had begun....
... ...But those who saw the things that were done in that time, deeds of valour and wonder, have elsewhere told the tale of the War of the Ring, and how it ended both in victory unlooked for and in sorrow long foreseen....
......In that last battle were Mithrandir, and the sons of Elrond, and the King of Rohan, and lords of Gondor, and the Heir of Isildur with the Dúnedain of the North. There at the last they looked upon death and defeat, and all their valour was in vain; for Sauron was too strong. Yet in that hour was put to the proof that which Mithrandir had spoken, and help came from the hands of the weak when the Wise faltered. For, as many songs have since sung, it was the Periannath, the Little People, dwellers in hillsides and meadows, that brought them deliverance...
... ...Now all these things were achieved for the most part by the counsel and vigilance of Mithrandir, and in the last few days he was revealed as a lord of great reverence… …clad in white he rode into battle; but not until the time came for him to depart was it known that he had long guarded the Red Ring of Fire [Narya]. At the first that Ring had been entrusted to Círdan, Lord of the Havens; but he had surrendered it to Mithrandir, for he knew whence he came and whither at last he would return.
... 'Take now this Ring,' he said; 'for thy labours and thy cares will be heavy, but in all it will support thee and defend thee from weariness. For this is the Ring of Fire, and... ...maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill. But as for me, my heart is with the Sea, and I will dwell by the grey shores, guarding the Havens until the last ship sails. Then I shall await thee.'"
We have been there and back again.
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(This post was edited by grammaboodawg on Apr 5, 12:48pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 6, 2:01pm
Post #23 of 28
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Today in Middle-earth
April 6, 1YT (VY 3500) Yestarë
1. The Elves' New Year.
(from QUENTA SILMARILLION: The History of the Silmarils: Of the Beginning of Days)
..."...at the sixth hour of the First Day [Yestarë], and of all the joyful days thereafter... ...Telperion ceased his time of flower; and at the twelfth hour Laurelin her blossoming. And each day of the Valar... ...ended with the second mingling of the lights, in which Laurelin was waning but Telperion was waxing. But the light that was spilled from the trees endured long, ere it was taken up into the airs or sank down into the earth... ...the dews of Telperion and the rain that fell from Laurelin Varda hoarded in great vats like shining lakes, that were to all the land of the Valar as wells of water and of light. Thus began the Days of the Bliss of Valinor; and thus began also the Count of Time."
[YT=Year of the Trees (Telperion/Laurelin) & VY=Valian Years (Years the Valar came to the world)]
April 6, 2980 (S.R. 1380)
1. Birth of Samwise Gamgee.
(from APPENDIX B: THE TALE OF YEARS (CHRONOLOGY OF THE WESTLANDS): Third Age)
...It is told that the fifth child, a son, is born to gardener Hamfast Gamgee (the gaffer) and Bell Goodchild of the Shire on this Spring day.
April 6, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Healing in Minas Tirith.
(not from the appendices)
..."Then Faramir came and sought her, and once more they stood on the walls together; and he said to her: 'Éowyn, why do you tarry here, and do not go to the rejoicing in Cormallen beyond Cair Andros, where your brother awaits you?'
...And she said: 'Do you not know?'
...'...Two reasons there may be, but which is true, I do not know....'
...'...I do not wish to play at riddles. Speak plainer!'
...'Then if you will have it so, lady... ...you do not go, because only your brother called for you, and to look on the Lord Aragorn, Elendil's heir, in his triumph would now bring you no joy. Or because I do not go, and you desire still to be near me. And maybe for both these reasons, and you yourself cannot choose between them. Éowyn, do you not love me, or will you not?'
...'I wished to be loved by another... ...But I desire no man's pity.'
...'That I know,' he said. 'You desired to have the love of the Lord Aragorn. Because he was high and puissant, and you wished to have renown and glory and to be lifted far above the mean things that crawl on the earth. And as a great captain may to a young soldier he seemed to you admirable... ...a lord among men, the greatest that now is. But when he gave you only understanding and pity, then you desired to have nothing, unless a brave death in battle. Look at me, Éowyn!'
...And Éowyn looked at Faramir long and steadily; and Faramir said: 'Do not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart, Éowyn! But I do not offer you my pity. For you are a lady high and valiant and have yourself won renown that shall not be forgotten; and you are a lady beautiful... ...beyond even the words of the Elven-tongue to tell. And I love you. Once I pitied your sorrow. But now, were you sorrowless, without fear or any lack, were you the blissful Queen of Gondor, still I would love you. Éowyn, do you not love me?'
...Then the heart of Éowyn changed, or else at last she understood it. And suddenly her winter passed, and the sun shone on her.
...'I stand in Minas Anor, the Tower of the Sun... ...and behold! the Shadow has departed! I will be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders, nor take joy only in the songs of slaying. I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren. And again she looked at Faramir. 'No longer do I desire to be a queen,' she said.
...Then Faramir laughed merrily. 'That is well... ...for I am not a king. Yet I will wed with the White Lady of Rohan, if it be her will. And if she will, then let us cross the River and in happier days let us dwell in fair Ithilien and there make a garden. All things will grow with joy there, if the White Lady comes.'"
2. Healing in Ithilien.
(not from the appendices - no text - a drabble)
...Since coming to Ithilien, Merry sat with Gandalf as they watched and waited for some sign of Frodo and Sam waking. Under the care of King Elessar, they seemed to be wrapped in a safe, healing sleep. It was disturbing for Merry to see them as if they were drifting in a far away place; but being with Pippin now heartened him while his friend's strength grew daily. Merry's loneliness faded as they chattered about all they had done… making light of the grim shadows that lingered. They were already conspiring of how to sneak in their pipes and weed.
3. Meeting of Celeborn and Thranduil.
(from the appendices)
..."And on the day of the New Year of the Elves, Celeborn and Thranduil met in the midst of the forest; and they renamed Mirkwood Eryn Lasgalen, The Wood of Greenleaves. Thranduil took all the northern region as far as the mountains that rise in the forest of his realm; and Celeborn took the southern wood below the Narrows, and named it East Lórien; but all the wide forest between was given to the Beornings and the Woodmen."
April 6, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The mallorn flowers in the Party Field.
(from the appendices)
..."The little silver nut [Sam] planted in the Party Field where the tree had once been... ...a beautiful young sapling leaped up: it had silver bark and long leaves and burst into golden flowers in April. It was indeed a mallorn, and it was the wonder of the neighbourhood... ...as it grew in grace and beauty, it was known far and wide and people would come long journeys to see it: the only mallorn west of the Mountains and east of the Sea; and one of the finest in the world."
2. Holiday in the Westfarthing.
(from APPENDIX D: THE CALENDARS)
..."...in the Westfarthing, especially in the country round Hobbiton Hill, there grew a custom of making holiday and dancing in the Party Field, when weather permitted, on April 6. Some said that it was old Sam Gardner's birthday, some that it was the day on which the Golden Tree first flowered in 1420."
We have been there and back again.
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Otaku-sempai
Elvenhome
Apr 6, 7:03pm
Post #24 of 28
(3072 views)
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New Year's Day and the Calendar of Imladris
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It's odd to me that the Calendar of Imladris doesn't observe the beginning of the new year closer to the Spring equinox, which would have coincided more closely with the end of Rethe (March) and the beginning of Astron (April), to put it in the terms of the Reckoning of the Shire. I suppose that the equinox figured instead into the Elven month/season that the Eldar named coirë (stirring).
“Hell hath no fury like that of the uninvolved.” - Tony Isabella
(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on Apr 6, 7:04pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Apr 7, 1:30pm
Post #25 of 28
(1968 views)
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Today in Middle-earth
April 7, 2942 (S.R. 1342)
1. The time comes to leave for home.
(determined from text)
..."It was spring, and a fair one with mild weathers and a bright sun, before Bilbo and Gandalf took their leave at last of Beorn, and though he longed for home, Bilbo left with regret, for the flowers of the gardens of Beorn were in springtime no less marvellous than a high summer."
April 7, 3019 (S.R. 1419)
1. Pippin rises from his sickbed.
(not from the appendices)
...[Gimli speaks his peace] "I love you, if only because of the pains you have cost me, which I shall never forget. Nor shall I forget finding you on the hill of the last battle… …when I heaved that great carcase off you, I made sure you were dead. I could have torn out my beard.'"
April 7, 3020 (S.R. 1420)
1. The Shire slowly begins to look as it once did by the tireless work of the Hobbits.
(not from the appendices)
..."In addition to all his other labours [Sam] was busy directing the cleaning up and restoring of Bag End..."
We have been there and back again.
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